Halloween Meet, Melbury Osmond 26th – 28th Oct 2007

Once again the crazy season is upon us, so we met in the field and the Village hall arriving by car & caravan, motor home, flying tents (must be pop-up tents!), witches brooms and pumpkins. Although the access is via a sharp turn and quite narrow, the entrance was safely negotiated both in and out by all. On arrival the ladies were invited to bring their knives and peelers at 7ish and our men were asked to set out the hall and assist with the decorations. The response was terrific a big thanks to you all from your stewards.

Later in the evening Mick took the Quiz and we were surprised how we didn't know much about anything, after we danced to our very own resident DJ Sue who with her magic fingers, supplied the music. Saturday, our Witches slaved over the hot and steaming cauldrons (our thanks to Val & Sandra). At the same time Jayne & Elaine, with help from some parents, were making capes, hats, masks etc. Whilst this was taking place the urn was constantly simmering to refresh us all.

In the evening we met in the hall for the EXTRAVAGANZA - the dresses and costumes were great, all the pumpkins looked good but scary, our kids did us proud with their outfits. Well done to all who took part; towards the end of the evening our friends from the Berkshire DA supplied and let off a firework display. We then continued dancing to Sue and her music, as I write this report I seem to remember drinking some blood red liquid from my chalice thanks Gordon for the 'punch'.At midnight our youth-line with Nikki and a second adult went on a night navigation walk and encountered some large animals[the local 'Bison' types]we understand the return trip was quicker; well done to Nikki and a number of our youth on their success in their recent tests.

Sunday at flagpole in the hall we invited the local organiser of the Poppy Appeal ,Mr Bond to bring a display and sell the poppies after a short talk, our members responded well, thanks to you all. By now the weather had worsened and many left for home a few stayed to finish off the Witches brew. On a sad note one member who congratulated his wife on her realistic face mask only to find she had already removed it. ouch!!!

Val, Elaine your stewards and Peter their assistant.


Click here for photos

Birchwood Tourist Park, Wareham 19th – 21st Oct 2007

The weekend attracted a total of 35 units to the site, 23 Dorset, 4 New Forest, 3 Waterside, 2 Hampshire,1 Somerset, 1 Birmingham and 1 Solent. Not as many as last year but I wondered if the Rugby World Cup Final and the final formula 1 Grand Prix may have influenced some to stay at home instead.

Birchwood is a commercial site and we were provided sufficient pitches with electric hook up for the princely sum of £6 pun. We were grouped in the central area of the park close to the amenities. Pitches were mainly level and clearly marked making it easy to site new arrivals. The site owners were kind enough to extend the rate of £6 pun for those who arrived on Thursday and also for those wanting to stay on Sunday night. The site owners announced that anyone wishing to stay on site for the rest of the season (till October 31st) could do so at the same rate of £6 pun.

The weekend weather was mostly sunny and dry but the overnight temperatures dropped alarmingly, providing a light frost in the mornings. During Saturday the bonus ball competition was filled quickly.

The barn used for the Saturday evening entertainment is off site, a short drive or couple of minutes walk across the field. A wide and plentiful variety of dishes made an excellent American Supper for all to enjoy. The temperatures inside the barn seemed very similar to those outside and a few patio heaters provided some welcome warmth.

The ‘caller’ for the evening was great and very soon had lots on the dance floor practising and performing some energetic routines keeping warm. It’s only now that I actually know what a do-si-doh is, and for some reason I cannot get the phrase ‘left, left, left, left left’ out of my head. I’m sure that those attending the barn dance would certainly welcome the opportunity for the same ‘caller’ to return and provide the entertainment next year.

A dry Sunday morning saw flagpole held on the empty pitch behind our unit and allowed those present to sit in the early morning sun with the usual tea, coffee, biscuits and American Supper leftovers. Amongst the usual announcements I had to somehow try and explain that the bonus ball competition had been won by yours truly. Fortunately it did not involve any ‘phone votes’ so it looks like I may have avoided any official enquiries!!

Our thanks must go to the Committee for organising the Barn Dance, which proved a great success and one to look out for again next year.

Dave & Dawn Burgess

HILLVIEW FARM, THREE LEGGED CROSS - 12-14th October 2007

A quiet relaxing weekend at this new venue for the Dorset DA, with only 11 units attending.

On Friday evening some members came over to the stewards awnings for a get-together and a chat. On Saturday afternoon Maureen, Val and Elaine put on cream teas, most of the members came over again to the awnings to sample the goodies “please note not Dave”.

Saturday evening yet another get–together and out came the cheese and biscuits. Our special thanks to Val, Pete and Elaine.

On Sunday morning flag was taken at 10.30am by Pete with Tea and Coffee and asked Dave and Maureen to thank the site owners Dave and Georgie Andrews for the use of this lovely site.

Stewards Dave and Maureen

Blackmoor Vale, Gillingham Carnival - Oct 5th – 7th 2007

Another lucky year of decent weather for the Carnival at Gillingham.

It was good to still be able to sit out in the sun and BBQ.

The Carnival was better than ever this year with more Glastonbury type trailers, some ingenious ideas for the smaller and walking type entrants made it a good evenings entertainment with the bonus of not being cold or wet.

We had a good turn out.

Plenty of Sloe’s were picked over the weekend for the yearly brew up, to be added to the Gin, Vodka and Bacardi, so hope we can have a sample taste later in the year when it’s ready for consumption.

Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did.

Sam (Sandra)

Sandyholme Holiday Park, Owermoigne 28th - 30th Sept 2007

The weekend attracted a total of 13 units to the site, 11 Dorset, 1 Waterside and 1 New Forest. I’m sure it was the desire to camp with Dorset DA and not the £7.50 pun fees including electric hook up that brought us all together. Dawn had to work on Friday and therefore I took the van early Friday morning and set up on my own. Brownie points were well and truly earnt as tea was just about cooked by the time Dawn got there.

Sandyholme is a commercial site and we were provided pitches in the central area of the park close to the toilet and shower block making it very convenient (no pun intended) for all. Pitches were level and clearly marked making it easy to site new arrivals.

Upon request the site owner willingly agreed for us to use the bar area on Saturday night for a social evening and also for flagpole if the weather was poor on Sunday morning. From that moment, thinking caps were firmly on to come up with ideas for the social evening and our thanks must go to Pete, Val & Elaine for the provision of the ‘Caravan Drive’ and ‘Horse Racing’ games that brought so much fun and laughter to all present. Despite rumours to the contrary, the black horse does have four legs but must have been in a mood on Saturday night as it never performed well in any of the 6 races. Pete reckoned it had contracted blue tongue. A vets report is awaited.

The opportunity to use the bar area was unexpected but gives rise to the thought of using commercial sites either prior to the beginning, or after the end of their seasons as it increases the chances of obtaining the use of a room for a social event without placing an additional cost upon the DA to hire a hall. It would also bring a number of campers and income to the site, which ordinarily may not have occurred.

A dry Sunday morning saw flagpole held on the patio area outside of the bar where the tea, coffee and biscuits gave us all chance to have a chat and reflect upon why the last horse race was called ‘The Pete Greening Stakes’ and whose rose bushes are going to benefit following the clean up operation after those horses!

Dave & Dawn Burgess

SPRINGFIELD FARM FROGHAM D.A.F.O.L - 21-23rd September 2007

Dave and Maureen welcomed 38 units to this lovely flat site in the New Forest.

Saturday evening at approximately 7pm the F.O.L window display was judged by Jim and Mavis and what a task it turned out to be for them. The theme this year was “Pub Signs” winners being “The Silent Woman” members from the N.F.D.A. and our very own David as the “Frustrated Pig” fancy dress. On Saturday evening, a social was arranged in the local village hall with live music by Joanne and friends. Also thanks to Sandra and Sue for taking orders and collecting sausage/fish and chips for some members, the remainder bringing their own picnic suppers and liquid refreshments. Flag was on Sunday morning with tea and coffee and again an excellent meet enjoyed by all.

Dave and Maureen would like to thank Pete, Val and Elaine for all their help over the weekend not forgetting the help from the Committee.

Stewards Dave and Maureen.

GOLDEN FLEECE, PERRY ST, CHARD 3rd - 5th August 2007

The site owner had assured us that the site had dried up nicely, but due to a couple of heavy downpours on Thursday morning & early afternoon it had got very wet again with water lying in the ruts that had been made!. We arrived Thursday evening & tried to pitch like good stewards by the entrance, but due to the wet grass, the car would only go forwards so pitched half way down the site (equal distance from everyone so very friendly!!)

There were two units on site that had been on holiday and when the tent campers left on Friday morning the ground was really boggy. We felt sorry for them as they tried to clean the mud off the equipment.

Friday morning and the sun shone & shone it was lovely, 16 units rolled in during the day. We had 10 Dorset, (lovely to see Gordon & Joan looking so well,) and several visitors. Neil & Tina got a bit stuck and needed pulling out to a dryer patch, the ground was drying but not quick enough! Thanks to Ice Cream Jim for getting them out, & taking them to the entrance on Sunday.

The other M/C was given a push by 5/6 burly men (who were they?) on Sunday so got away ok.

Saturday was a bit cloudy in the morning, but it was worth the wait because when the sun came out it was glorious, & the ground dried up nicely. Everybody went out & about during the day & we all had a super BBQ in the sunny patch in the middle of the site, in the evening, sitting out until the sun finally disappeared behind the last tree.

Sunday was even better, and we sat in brilliant sunshine for coffee and Nursery Rhymes! (Results of the quiz for the weekend) several of us then went to the pub for Sunday lunch. The pub did very well through the weekend with campers eating several times, the food is very good.

We also met some Avon members going to the WP at the NFOL so we shall look forward to meeting up with them again at the end of August.

All in all a very friendly, quiet, relaxing weekend in the sun. Thanks to all who came and joined in.

John & Anne

Knitson Farm, Swanage - July 27th - 29th 2007

Summer arrived for the weekend at long last - nice to get the shorts out again.

A very small turnout of units, but we all enjoyed ourselves.

The Swanage Folk Festival had plenty of entertainment with a group playing by the beach.

The Morris dancers, bands playing through the town in the afternoon, also lots of stall’s, craft fair and amusements on the Green.

There also was the Steam Rally at Norden Cross so plenty for everyone to do and of course, some hot sunshine to enjoy as well.

Also thanks to Anne for driving out with some of the DA gear and Ann and John for the rest on Saturday, they made the most of their day in Swanage.

Sam

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC - WITHERINGTON FARM 15th –17th June 2007

After listening to the weather forecast we wondered if our last Teddy Bears Picnic at Witherington Farm would take place. Friday morning out came the bags with the gazebo in, down came the rain, & off went the workers. By lunch-time the skies had cleared & up went the gazebo. The number of units was slightly down on last year, 52 in all, but the number of children (70) remained the same.

Saturday’s entertainment kicked off with Dianne & her helpers running the workshop. The colouring competition got underway with some very colourful & artistic pictures being produced.

After lunch it was time to go back to the workshop for the boat making. What a hive of industry this activity always becomes. All the cutting, sticking & gluing along the "production line" ends up with some great results coming out at the other end. The children really enjoy the workshop & again this year really excelled in their imaginations. A big thank you to Dianne & all her helpers.

The boat race was the centre of much excitement. Several of us were in the awning getting the picnic ready & we could hear a lot of shouting, shrieking & cheering & saw a lot of bouncing up & down (& that wasn’t the children). This race really brings out the competitive spirit in both young & old.

Next came the picnic where messy faces & sticky fingers were the order of the day. The food, jelly & ice cream all disappeared rather quick----not a lot left for the adults I'm afraid. The duck race is always very popular & once again was well supported. Many thanks to Mick & Jayne for organising this hour of fun (especially for the winners)

In the evening came the usual ritual of "the floating of the boats down the river" which was given a new dimension this year. Dawn & Dave brought along some sparklers, so the children fixed 2 each on to their boats along with a nightlight & off they went to a sad "goodbye". It was a lovely sight.

We had flagpole out on the field on Sunday morning where the all the prizes were given out. . I think all members at the meet came along because it was a long queue for tea & coffee.

Despite the lack of brilliant sunshine at least it didn’t rain, the children still went into the water for a paddle, a splash & a spot of fishing. So now it's Goodnight to all Teddy Bears & see you all here again next year--YES--- here again next year.

From those Three Tired Old Teddy Bears.

P.S Good News - Teddy Bears Picnic will be held at Witherington Farm again next year on July 18th-20th

Budleigh Salterton EASTER MEET 5-9th April 2007

Easter Rally at Pooh Cottage Touring Park, Budleigh Salterton, Devon attracted 36 units. When the Stewards arrived we only had 7 electric hook-ups but by the time others arrived the site owners had another 20 electrics switch on.

On Friday Nikki organised an excellent walk calling in for lunch in a lovely Pub before a return to the site, also during the afternoon many of the members stayed on site enjoying the sun & one family enjoyed a game of boulles until towards the end Emma decided to hide the ball down a rabbit hole then cover it with grass she was later unable to know its whereabouts and was finally found by mum Lorraine with the help of a detector. Friday evening a quiz was arranged in the Local Hall. Over the weekend Nikki got all the children involved with an Easter egg hunt enjoyed by all children.

Saturday evening the Committee organised an American Supper again in the Local Hall with a large raffle with 45 prizes, also the Youths did 2 Bonus Ball sheets for the Lottery with 2 very lucky winners this was then followed by Music & Karaoke by our very own D.J. Sue and a driving test on the computer by John.

Sunday was another get-together in the Local Hall & Dave introduced the game Aunt Sally to members on the field of which Adults & Children enjoyed taking part.

All good meets must unfortunately come to an end. Monday at Flag the Officers & Committee gave the Stewards great support with Hot Cross Buns, Tea, Coffee & Squash. Also during Flag the Youth’s named the winner of the lovely cuddly Easter Bunny ‘Nibbles’ and the winner being the Stewards Dave & Maureen who presented it to little Lilly from the Avon DA who was celebrating her 2nd birthday that weekend.

Thank you for all your Support.

Stewards Dave & Maureen

Merley Court 9-11th March 2007

Hi Campers

With the weather being kind to us everyone had a good week end at Merley Court, there were 33 vans on site with the D A.

It was a shame there was a mix up with the skittle match against New Forest but those who participated in the quiz enjoyed it.

My job siting up the vans was made easy with the help of the two wardens because of the softness of the ground,and finding us extra sites as the 25 allocated to us were soon filled.

We would like to thank John for standing in for us at flag pole (as we are unaccustomed to speaking in public !!)

We look forward to seeing you all again soon

Dave and Shirley

New Year 2007

First of all a Happy New Year to you all. Well, where has the past year gone? It seems only like last week that we were driving up the lane to Dudsbury for our New Year Meet.

On our opening night we decorated the hall, giving it a homely atmosphere. With everyone helping this did not take long so we could then catch up with each other and enjoy the light refreshments. Thursday dawned and more people arrived and with a supply of tea and coffee and a lovely log fire it was home from home. Thursday evening we started with a few rounds of bingo, thanks to Emma for the loan of her bingo game. This we followed with cheese and wine and then thinking caps on for the Quiz.

During Thursday the jobs for the weekend were put in a hat and each member present picked out a task to be carried out during the meet. This was felt to have worked very well and spread the load, also a few laughs were had. Friday was the start of the New Year Meet and we kicked off with Ladies night at the races. Many fashionable and funny hats appeared. Silver Image provided the races. This was preceded by everyone tucking into good old bangers, mash, mushy peas, stuffing and onion gravy followed by apple crumble and custard.

Saturday was Italian night, Garlic Bread, Pizzas, salad and the jacket potatoes which wound not cook. This held up the proceedings so Jayne was give the job of entertaining whilst we had panic stations in the kitchen. (no more jacket potatoes). Eventually we got sorted and for desert we had ice cream and sauce. Our friends at Bournemouth Operatic Society entertained us for an hour with a sing-a-long and various items. They are very versatile and put a lot of humour into their act.

New Year’s Eve began with a full cooked breakfast expertly cooked by the early morning crew. At lunchtime a group of us braved the elements and walked to the Angel Pub. Because the pub was so full and did not allow dogs we all sat outside under a large heated umbrella. By this time it was pouring down with rain so it must have looked quite comical about 20 of us huddled under the umbrella. The theme for our New Year’s Celebration was “Casualty”. We had men cross-dressing and numerous patients with blood and gore. Jayne wrote and directed a casualty sketch which was very amusing based on shadows. Many thanks to those who took part. After this we played a few games and then danced the night away under the baton of DJ Sharpey. There were a few sore heads for the farewell flagpole. Another successful meet and thank you to you all for making it the undoubted success that it was. See you all soon.

Dianne and Terry.

And thanks to Dianne and Terry for all their hard work getting the food together and stewarding etc.